Tips for the classroom

We know how challenging it can be to manage a classroom and keep students engaged, especially if it’s your first time teaching. Below, you'll find some useful resources to help you capture and hold your students’ attention and have a seamless classroom experience. We encourage you to refer to these tips throughout your teaching career at the University of Guelph-Humber.

Tablets can be linked to computers, projectors and the Cloud so that students and instructors can communicate through text, drawings and diagrams

Online collaboration tools like Google Apps allows students and instructors to share documents online, edit them in real time and project them on a screen

Clickers and SmartPhones can be used to quickly and easily survey students during class. This is great for instant polling, which can assess students’ understanding and help instructors adjust pace and content

Tips for Creating a Positive Classroom Climate

Encourage open classes with dialogue or have an Open mic for questions!

Treat class time as a “business meeting” by having the same expectations (i.e. showing up on time, behaving professionally when addressing each other and you)-it’s training for the real world!

Giving students a warm-up activity as they enter can get them focused on your class and help fill time effectively as class is starting

Prevent class disruption by preparing students either via the course outline/course website or verbally during the first class regarding expectations for your course

Only 1 rule-do not interfere with the learning of others!

Establish ground rules and make an effort to connect with students

Let students know that if they are going to be disruptive, they can leave the room. They are free to come back when they are ready.

Tips for Assessment and Evaluation

Have brainstorming sessions by presenting an open-ended question. Then have students work in pairs to share ideas.

As the instructor, challenge their responses but correct any misconceptions and summarize main points

Use chain notes to answer online discussion questions. Ex. “What is one thing you learned today?” Each student would write something different on the paper that is passed around the classroom until all have participated